Let’s visit Hitachi-no-Kuni Izumo Taisha, one of Ibaraki’s most powerful spiritual sites! Famous for bringing romantic Connections

Located in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Hitachi-no-Kuni Izumo Taisha (常陸国出雲大社) is one of the most famous spiritual power spots in the region, widely known for fostering romantic connections. This shrine was established in 1992 after receiving a sacred spirit transfer (bunrei) from the original Izumo Taisha in Shimane Prefecture. It enshrines Ōkuninushi-no-Ōkami (大国主大神), the deity of matchmaking. The shrine grounds boast many attractions, including an impressive shimenawa rope that is said to be even larger than the one at the original Izumo Taisha, one of Japan’s largest statues of Ōkuninushi-no-Ōkami, and even a rare glass workshop within a shrine. This article will provide an in-depth look at Hitachi-no-Kuni Izumo Taisha, which is also gaining attention as a tourist destination.

Where Is Hitachi-no-Kuni Izumo Taisha? The answer is Kasama City!

Hitachi-no-Kuni Izumo Taisha is located in Kasama City, situated in central Ibaraki Prefecture. The nearest train station is Fukuhara Station on the JR Mito Line, and the shrine is approximately a 7-minute walk from there. For those traveling by car, the shrine is about 1 km from the Kasama-Nishi Interchange on the Kita-Kantō Expressway, accessible via National Route 50. The site also offers a free parking lot with space for 300 vehicles.

One of Japan’s largest Torii Gates in the Myojin Style

The grand torii gate of Hitachi-no-Kuni Izumo Taisha is constructed from Inada Mikage Stone, sourced from the Sekikiriyama Ridge in Kasama City. It follows the Myojin torii style, characterized by slightly upward-curving horizontal beams at each end. This impressive structure stands about 11 meters tall, with the upper crossbeam (kasagi) measuring approximately 14 meters in width, making it one of the largest torii gates in Japan.

The worship hall with a Shimenawa Rope even larger than the original Izumo Taisha

The worship hall (haiden) of Hitachi-no-Kuni Izumo Taisha features a grand shimenawa rope at its front, which is even larger than that of the original Izumo Taisha. This massive sacred rope measures 16 meters in length and weighs approximately 6 tons, ranking among the largest in the country.

Inside the worship hall, visitors can also admire a breathtaking 60-tatami-sized ceiling painting titled Hitachi no Kumo (Clouds of Hitachi). This vibrant artwork, adorned with gold and silver leaf, leaves a lasting impression.

Additionally, the hall houses one of the largest statues of Ōkuninushi-no-Ōkami (the deity of fortune and matchmaking) in Japan. He is revered for bestowing blessings related to love, business success, protection from misfortune, and healing from illness. Standing beside him is a smaller deity, Sukunahikona-no-Kami, whom visitors should not overlook.

Ryūja Shrine, the guardian against fire and water disasters

Situated before the worship hall, Ryūja Shrine is dedicated to Ryūja-shin, a divine servant of Ōkuninushi-no-Ōkami. In Izumo Taisha’s annual Kami Hakari (Divine Assembly) held in the lunar month of October, Ryūja-shin leads the gathering of deities. This shrine is well-known for offering protection against fire and water-related disasters.

Yaku-jin Shrine, offering blessings for healing illnesses

Yaku-jin Shrine enshrines Sukunahikona-no-Kami, the small deity standing beside Ōkuninushi-no-Ōkami’s statue. As a god who helped build the nation alongside Ōkuninushi-no-Ōkami, Sukunahikona-no-Kami is particularly revered for his expertise in medicine and his ability to grant blessings for healing illnesses.

Amulets, love fortunes, and Goshuin stamps from Hitachi-no-Kuni Izumo Taisha

◆ The Popular White Rabbit Amulet

Hitachi-no-Kuni Izumo Taisha offers over ten types of omamori (amulets), including those for matchmaking, safe childbirth, warding off misfortune, and bringing good luck. Among them, the Usagi Enmusubi Mamori (Rabbit Matchmaking Amulet) is particularly popular. Inspired by the myth of Inaba no Shiro Usagi (The White Rabbit of Inaba), this charming amulet is especially favored by young women.

◆ Love Fortune Telling – Koibumi Mikuji

Given its reputation as a matchmaking power spot, the shrine offers a special love-themed fortune slip called Koibumi Mikuji. Inside, you'll find a pink cherry blossom-shaped charm along with a romantic message guiding you toward love and relationships.

◆ Unique Goshuin Stamps and Artistic Goshuin-chō

Visitors can receive a goshuin (shrine stamp) at the shrine office daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If you already own a goshuin-chō (stamp book), the shrine will write the stamp directly into your book. Otherwise, you will receive a paper stamp instead.

This is also a great opportunity to purchase a goshuin-chō if you don’t already have one. The shrine offers four different designs, including some created by contemporary artists, making them uniquely beautiful compared to standard designs found elsewhere.

Recommended tourist spots around Hitachi-no-Kuni Izumo Taisha

◆ Enjoy lunch at the Shrine’s on-site Shop: Izumokan

Located within the shrine grounds, Izumokan is a shop that features a restaurant called Prière, a glass workshop named Kamosu, and an art gallery. At the restaurant, visitors can savor dishes such as Inaniwa Udon and Hitachi Aki Soba, both renowned local specialties.

The Kamosu glass workshop offers hands-on glassblowing experiences (reservation required). Additionally, the on-site gallery sells original glass products, making it a great place to browse for unique souvenirs.

◆ Meet Moku Moku Fuu at Rinsaikan

Rinsaikan is a gallery space created from a relocated and restored traditional rice warehouse. Today, it serves as the workshop for producing the shrine’s original mascot character, Moku Moku Fuu. Occasional events are held here, so be sure to check it out when you visit!

◆ Pray for business prosperity at Kasama Inari Shrine

About a 20-minute drive from Hitachi-no-Kuni Izumo Taisha is Kasama Inari Shrine, one of Japan’s Three Great Inari Shrines. This shrine is dedicated to O-Inari-sama, the deity of abundant harvests and business prosperity. It is also well known for hosting the Kasama Chrysanthemum Festival every October.

◆ Experience Kasama’s famous pottery at the Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum

Located within Kasama Art Forest Park, about a 20-minute drive from the shrine, the Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum is the first museum in eastern Japan dedicated exclusively to ceramics. It showcases top-tier ceramic artworks from Japan and beyond, making it a must-visit for pottery enthusiasts.